Bangladesh PM departs for Thailand on six-day official visit.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka today for Bangkok on a six-day official visit to Thailand at the invitation of her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.

A significant diplomatic mission commenced as Prime Minister Hasina, accompanied by her delegation, boarded a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight departing Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Scheduled to touch down at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok at 1:30 pm local time, this journey marks both a bilateral and multilateral venture, as elucidated by Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud during a recent media briefing. Notably, this bilateral visit marks a historic milestone, being the first-ever by a Bangladeshi head of government to Thailand since diplomatic relations were established in 1972.

During her stay, Prime Minister Hasina is poised to engage in a series of crucial discussions and engagements. Key among these is the bilateral dialogue with Prime Minister Thavisin, alongside participation in the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). This diplomatic rendezvous is expected to yield tangible results, with the signing of various cooperation documents including a letter of intent for free trade negotiations and agreements on visa exemptions and energy cooperation. Furthermore, discussions will encompass pivotal matters such as Rohingya repatriation and enhancing investment ties, underscoring the depth of bilateral engagement between Bangladesh and Thailand.

Aligned with the theme “Leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific,” the ESCAP session promises to be a forum for comprehensive discussions on harnessing digital innovation for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Prime Minister Hasina’s presence underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development, as she contributes to deliberations aimed at fostering inclusive growth and achieving the SDGs across the region. Through these endeavors, Bangladesh reaffirms its dedication to fostering collaborative partnerships and leveraging digital advancements for a more prosperous and equitable future in Asia and the Pacific.